Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Uganda experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
Uganda is a birder’s paradise, with over 1,073 recorded species. That’s an impressive 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world’s total. What makes Uganda even more appealing is that these birds are spread across a relatively small area, roughly the size of Britain, making it possible to encounter a remarkable variety in just one trip.
Birdlife can be found throughout the country, from national parks and Important Bird Areas (IBAs) to the Albertine Rift Valley, lakes, swamps, forests, savannah, woodlands, mountains, and rivers. This itinerary covers many of these key locations and offers one of the best opportunities to tick off a long list of species you may not see anywhere else.
If you’re limited on time or budget, we can easily tailor the itinerary to focus on just a few key regions to ensure a rewarding birding experience.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Uganda holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Fly overnight to Entebbe, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for the night. Spend the afternoon either relaxing at the hotel or heading out on an excursion across Lake Victoria.
Transfer to Fort Portal, passing through villages, tea plantations, and forests along the way. Once settled, enjoy a walk around the local area for your first bird-spotting opportunity.
Today is spent in Semuliki National Park, a rich and remote forest habitat known for its impressive birdlife. Look out for species such as the Piapiac, hornbills, kingfishers, and the forest robin as you explore the park.
At 06:00, you’ll begin your drive to Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. On arrival, meet your site guide and head to the lake for a local boat ride in search of the elusive and graceful Shoebill. Later, continue your journey to Kibale National Park.
Get ready for an exciting day as you head into the forest early in the morning. The early hours are ideal for searching for the rare and elusive Green-breasted Pitta, one of the most challenging bird species to spot. After lunch, you’ll return to the forest for a two to four-hour trek in search of chimpanzees. Once located, you’ll spend up to an hour observing them as they play, feed, and rest. It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture some unforgettable photos.
This morning, you’ll visit the Bigodi Wetlands, a successful community-led conservation project that’s home to a variety of colourful birds and primates. Accompanied by a local site guide, you’ll enjoy a walk through the swamp in search of species such as the Great Blue Turaco. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
An early morning birding game drive takes you through the Kasenyi area in search of the park’s classic bird species and big game. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, offering excellent wildlife and birdwatching opportunities along the water’s edge.
You’ll make your way to Bwindi via the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for the region’s famous tree-climbing lions. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to spot more of the local birdlife.
Early this morning, you’ll join your tracking group and head out in search of mountain gorillas. After the trek, you’ll continue your journey to the Ruhija section of Bwindi.
After an early breakfast, you head to the Mubwindi Swamp in pursuit of some of the most difficult-to-see Albertine Rift endemic birds.
Leaving Bwindi, you travel south to Mgahinga National Park, home to a variety of Albertine Rift endemics, as well as golden monkeys and a family of mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga is one of the key birding destinations in the Albertine region, offering a strong checklist of Albertine endemics. You’ll have the opportunity to search for some of the region’s special species, including the rare Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
Your journey ends at Lake Mburo, one of Uganda’s smallest yet most interesting parks. This afternoon, you head out on a birding and game drive safari.
Your morning starts with a boat trip on Lake Mburo, where you have the opportunity to spot some of the water-inhabiting bird species. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, a chance to unwind after your birding and wildlife adventure.
Leaving Lake Mburo early, you head towards Entebbe Airport via the Equator, stopping for a photo opportunity and some craft shopping.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Catherine is dedicated to all things Uganda and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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